California Central Coast

Includes the San Luis Obispo Area and Other Favorite Spots Between Santa Barbara and Big Sur

Photo by Martha Alejandre

This is a guide to running to the part of California’s Central Coast, focused on the ~60 mile stretch between Pismo Beach and San Simeon. There is a mix of wonderful beach running, coastal trails, and some gorgeous but hilly running in the hills just inland from the Pacific. We also include several options near the cute city of San Luis Obispo.

Among our favorite places to run in this area of California’s Central Coast are Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro State Park, trails near San Luis Obisbo, and Fiscalini Ranch Preserve in San Simeon. Beach runners will love Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Rock Beach, among others.

Runners should note that much of the running inland from the Pacific is scenic but quite hilly.

See Also

Other Coastal Locations Between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles

Big Sur/Monterey/Carmel, CA

Big Sur is widely celebrated as one of the most scenic locations in the United States, the... more...

Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara has all the reasons we love California: mountains, beaches, vineyards, a cultured urban center with... more...

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Pismo Beach Area: Beach, Bluff, and Trails

California Central Coast

Great Views | Hilly | Iconic | Trail Running | Great Beach Runs

The Pismo Beach area has wonderful running options: miles of gorgeous beach with compact sand, a coastal bluff trail, the Bob Jones multi-use path, and a killer hill on a wide trail for those who want to get their lungs going.

Beach Running: Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, Morro Bay

California Central Coast

By the Beach | Great Beach Runs

There is some spectacular beach running on California's central coast. Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and Morro Bay feature miles of rugged, undeveloped beach, with reliably firm, compact sand near low tide.

San Luis Obispo: Downtown & Nearby Trails

California Central Coast

Gorgeous Residential | Great Views | Hilly | Historic / Tourist | Trail Running

San Luis Obispo is an attractive town on the central coast, 11 miles inland from the Pacific. Pleasant running downtown in numerous historic districts, and scenic but hilly running in the numerous hills and open spaces in town and right nearby.

Trail Running in the San Luis Obispo Area

California Central Coast

Great Views | Hilly | Trail Running | Running Track

Wonderfully scenic running in the hills in and around SLO. Poly Canyon trails are a favorite. Rugged trails around Bishops Peak and Irish Hills Preserve. Flatter options in the Laguna Lake Open Space. For a hilly road run, see our route just behind Cal Poly.

Montaña de Oro State Park

California Central Coast

Along the Water | Great Views | Hilly | Iconic | Trail Running

One of the most spectacular places for running on California's Central Coast. There are scenic coastal paths, beaches, and hills. A variety of gentler terrain, and some hillier, more challenging trails. Something for everyone!

Morro Bay: Beach, Coastal Path, Hill Running

California Central Coast

Along the Water | By the Beach | Great Views | Hilly | Trail Running

One of our favorite running spots on the California Central Coast. Gorgeous beach running options, scenic coastal roads and paths, and some challenging trail running options in the hills of Morro Bay State Park. Coastal Highway toward Cayucos also scenic and runnable.

San Simeon Area & Fiscalini Ranch Preserve

California Central Coast

Along the Water | Great Views | Trail Running

You might go to San Simeon to visit the Hearst Castle, but there's some lovely running in this area. Our favorite spot is trails of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve. Also good running in San Simon State Park, and some sections of Highway 1.

Pismo Beach Area: Beach, Bluff, and Trails

California Central Coast

Great Views | Hilly | Iconic | Trail Running | Great Beach Runs

The Pismo Beach area has wonderful running options: miles of gorgeous beach with compact sand, a coastal bluff trail, the Bob Jones multi-use path, and a killer hill on a wide trail for those who want to get their lungs going.

Montaña de Oro State Park

California Central Coast

Along the Water | Great Views | Hilly | Iconic | Trail Running

One of the most spectacular places for running on California's Central Coast. There are scenic coastal paths, beaches, and hills. A variety of gentler terrain, and some hillier, more challenging trails. Something for everyone!

Most of the running stores in the area are in San Luis Obispo. Running Warehouse, GH Sports, and Left Lane Sports are all good resources.

Looking for road or trail races in this area? Find them on RaceRaves, the best online race calendar and reviews community for runners!

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